Berkeley Law Unveils First AI-Focused Master of Laws Program

The UC Berkeley School of Law has announced “the first-ever law degree with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI).” The new AI-focused Master of Laws (LL.M.) program is scheduled to launch in the summer of 2025.

The executive program is designed for working professionals and can be carried out over two summers or through remote study combined with one summer on campus. On completion, students enrolled will be awarded an AI Law and Regulation certificate.

“At Berkeley Law, we are committed to leading the way in legal education by anticipating the future needs of our profession. Our AI-focused degree program is a testament to our dedication to preparing our students for the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies,” said Berkeley Law Dean Erwin Chemerinsky in the announcement.

As stated by Assistant Law Dean Adam Sterling, the curriculum will cover topics such as AI ethics, the fundamentals of AI technology, and current and future efforts to regulate AI. “This program will equip participants with in-depth knowledge of the ethical, regulatory, and policy challenges posed by AI,” Sterling added.

The program aims to help students develop skills and knowledge in areas including data privacy, intellectual property (IP), licensing, and risk.

Further, the new curriculum has been designed in consultation with an advisory group of industry leaders, including representatives from organizations such as Infoblox, the Allen Institute for AI, Anthropic, Meta, and Cantellus Group.

One of the courses in the new framework is ‘Law and Governance of Artificial Intelligence,’ taught by Professor Colleen V. Chien. That class will focus on how AI is transforming the practice of law.

“Students will gain fluency with AI technologies and explore the ways in which law and policy are being developed and applied in order to minimize the harms and maximize the benefits offered by AI,” said Chien in the announcement. “Examining a variety of governance tools, including court adjudication, legislation, regulatory frameworks, industry standards, and best practices, this course will dive deeply into the intersections of AI and human rights, civil liberties, privacy, IP, consumer protection, employment, and other laws.”